EC Bans M’sian Human Rights Commision From Observing GE14 But Allows Foreign Observers

With the upcoming election drawing nearer and nearer, organisations and parties are gearing up to do whatever they can to help with the voting process on polling day (9 May).

In recent developments, according to the Malay Mail, the Election Commission (EC) has reportedly rejected the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) application to observe polling stations during the upcoming 14th general election (GE14).

“Free and fair elections or its absence is an integral factor of human rights, and Suhakam calls on the Election Commission to recognise and acknowledge fundamental human rights principles relating to elections with integrity,” Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail stated.

The chairman added that the EC’s rationale behind rejecting Suhakam’s application was not understandable, as they have allowed international bodies to observe the election process. According to Free Malaysia Today, GE14 will have observers from Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Timor Leste, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Tan Sri Razali continued,

“Suhakam cannot comprehend this decision, especially as we are informed that there will be international observers during the election.”

“Suhakam considers itself a vehicle of integrity and draws its strength from its legislated mandate to protect and promote human rights in Malaysia and will, in public interest, proceed with its monitoring plan.”

Earlier this week, Suhakam stated that they would send 50 observers to observe the “hot seats” this GE14, having volunteers, commissioners, and officers stationed in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kelantan, Kedah, Perak, Perlis, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Sarawak and Sabah, according to The Star.

Suhakam’s 50 representatives are meant to observe electoral misconduct, including vote inducement, intimidation of voters, problems with postal voting and advance voting, the electoral roll, and exploitation of racial or religious issues during polling day.

What do you think of this latest development? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Also read: Dead People Found Registered On the Electoral Roll For GE14, Bersih Claims